Recycling Claims 2026: ISO 14021 and Percentage Declaration Requirement

ISO 14021 as the Key Standard: All recycling-related advertising statements will be subject to stricter requirements from 2026. The central standard is: ISO 14021 (Environmental labels and declarations — Type II environmental declarations — self-declared).

“Made from recycled material”: The percentage content must be stated. Source: post-consumer (highest value) vs. post-industrial. Recommended standard reference: ISO 14021 or GRS.

“Recyclable”: An actual recycling rate in DE/EU must be available. At least 60% recyclability for the claim. Link to methodology, e.g. RecyClass (packaging).

“Compostable”: Compliance with standards is mandatory: EN 13432 (industrial composting) or EN 17427 (home composting). State certificate number + testing institute.

Recognised Recycling Standards: GRS (Global Recycled Standard) for textiles and plastics. RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) – a simpler version. ISO 14021 generally. Blauer Engel for recycled paper products. EU Ecolabel for recycled consumer goods.

Typical Errors: “Made from recycled material” without stating the percentage. “Fully recyclable” without indicating the actual recycling rate. “Plastic-free” for mixed products containing synthetic polymers. “Recycle-Ready” — not a standardised term, therefore misleading. “100% recycled glass” when only 70% recycled glass is used.

Safe Formulations 2026: “65% recycled PET (post-consumer, GRS CU 12345)”, “Packaging 80% recyclable according to RecyClass A standard”, “Compostable according to EN 13432 (Vincotte OK Compost Industrial)”.